Aerodynamic effects of a split flap on the spinning characteristics of a monoplane model

Bamber, M Jnaca-tn-515December 1934

The investigation described in this report was made to determine the change in aerodynamic forces and moments produced by split flaps in a steady spin. The test were made with the spinning balance in the NACA 5-foot vertical wind tunnel. A low-wing monoplane model was tested with and without the split flaps in 12 spinning attitudes chosen to cover the probable spinning range. The changes in coefficients produced by adding the split flaps are given for longitudinal force, normal force, and rolling and yawing moments about body axes. The results obtained indicate that the use of split flaps on an airplane is unlikely, in any case, to have much beneficial effect on a spin, and it might make the spin dangerous. The change in the spin will depend upon the aerodynamic and inertia characteristics of the particular airplane. A dangerous condition is most likely to be attained with airplanes which are statically stable in yaw in the spinning attitude and which have large weights distributed along wings.